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Archive for June, 2010
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
The United States Department of Agriculture has set new regulations for meat packers to give smaller businesses and poultry producers better leverage in the industry.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said the regulations will go into effect in June, but did not specify what changes have been made to the 2008 farm laws after two advocacy groups protests made complaints against the current regulations.
Currently the USDA guidelines favor large corporations over small and medium sized farms. The advocacy groups drew attention to the fact that meat packing is generally dominated by Tyson Foods Inc., Cargill, JBS USA , National Beef Packing Co and Smithfield Foods Inc.
Vilsack noted that the changes would make it easier for groups and producers to make complaints and for the USDA to be able to investigate the complaints and create solutions.
The current farm laws of 2008 prevented price discrimination between large and smaller farms. The laws made sure that larger corporations could not receive better prices for meat packaging. It also made mandated improvements over feed houses and gave swine and poultry producers designated amounts of time to make changes that could cost contracts with meat packers.
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Tags: meat packers, regulations, usda
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Over the past seven years Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has been in California’s state office. Throughout his career he has dealt with a number of agricultural issues in one of the largest farming states in the country. However, producers are looking for a serious change in the industry.
The California Farm Bureau Federation announced its support for republican candidate, Meg Whitman.
“As small business owners, family farmers think it’s important to elect a governor who has had to meet a payroll and cope with all the regulations that California businesses face,†Paul Wenger, president of the federation, said via press release. “Meg Whitman will bring business sense to Sacramento that will help her cure California’s spending problems.â€
One of the biggest issues pressing California is water irrigation. The state has been in a drought for over three years. The CFBF is impressed with Whitman’s support of the construction of new reservoirs. Wenger feels that this is an answer to not only help the large agricultural industry in California, but to help create jobs in the industry as well.
Governor elections are set for November.
Federal Reserve stated interest rates likely to rise. Refinance your farm loan before rates go up. Call a representative by dialing 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: farm bureau, Meg Whitman, Schwarzenegger
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development agency is seeking candidates for projects promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Those looking to make energy efficient improvements to businesses (small businesses- including farms and ranches) or add renewable energy to their business should apply for money from the USDA Rural Development agency’s ‘Rural Energy for America’ program. Money is available for these changes. Up to 25 percent of a project may be funded by the USDA Rural Development program and companies can be awards up to $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements or $500,000 for the addition of renewable energy.
The USDA Rural Development agency is looking for solar, geothermal and biomass projects.
“Most rural projects that reduce energy use and result in savings for the small business or agricultural producer are eligible as energy efficiency projects,†said USDA Rural Development spokesperson Harold Alford via press release.
For more information contact your local USDA Rural Development office.
Farm loan rates starting at 2.95%. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585.
Tags: applicants, usda
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Thursday, June 10th, 2010
United States House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) said he will stop trying to block a $1.5 million agricultural disaster package presented by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas) proposed. This proposition is the first sign that many legislators and producers want changes in the 2012 Farm Bill.
Peterson said he is not going to “stand in the way” because farmers saw this as a problem, he just fears that the new disaster package will cause further problems. “I can’t imagine at the end of the day we’re going to make payments to people who only had a 5 percent loss.”
Most of the disaster package will only benefit farmers in the south, but some perks will affect producers across the country.
Peterson feels this is the first step in changes for the next Farm Bill. He gives props to the dairy industry for developing a new approach to current farm policies and feels it would benefit other industries to do the same.
He adds that one major change under debate for the 2012 Farm Bill is to include rural development in the bill. Although USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack feels this is one of the most important factors in the agriculture industry, Peterson could not disagree more. According to Peterson rural development and the farm program “are two different issues.”
The House Agriculture Committee is currently meeting with producers across the country to discuss what they would like in the upcoming Farm Bill.
Federal Reserve stated interest rates likely to rise. Refinance your farm loan before rates go up. Call a representative by dialing 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: farm bill, United States House Agriculture Committee
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Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Monsanto, one of the world’s largest agriculture companies, is asking the Supreme Court to over turn a decision made by federal courts to prevent the company from selling genetically engineered alfalfa seeds.
Geertson Seed Farm opposes to the sales of these seeds and took the company to federal court. Geertson objects to the sales because the farm feels that the Roundup Ready alfalfa will cross-pollinate with other seeds preventing the ability to grow organic crops. The farm claims, “In a few years, it will be extremely difficult to avoid contamination from [genetically engineered] alfalfa to conventional alfalfa seed.”
Monsanto disagrees and claims the product is stronger seeds that is necessary and have “become a mainstay of American agriculture.” This is because genetically engineered seeds allow for higher yields and stronger seeds which is ultimately more money for farmers.
Charles Breyer, a federal judge, issued an injunction against Monsanto so the company has turned to the Supreme Court because the “science fiction-like scenarios” are unreal. One supreme court justice, Breyer’s brother (Stephen Breyer), removed himself from the case therefore only eight justices are voting on the issue. If the decision is split in half, the injunction will stay in place.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.95% with 25 year terms. Visit our website or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: Geertson Seed Farm, Monsanto
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Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Legislators are talking with farmers and agricultural groups to discuss the 2012 Farm Bill. The first hearings were held in Idaho.
The United States House Agriculture Committee wants to know what farmers want or would like to see in the new farm bill.
“We haven’t decided what to do yet,” said Representative Walt Minnick. “But hearing from Idaho producers, whether they grow potatoes, or cattle, or grow mint in the Treasure Valley will help us put together a bill that will better suit Idaho.”
Organizations and farmers are happy to be included in the process.
“(This) gives Idahoans the opportunity to testify on what we believe the farm program should look like,” Scot Brown, president of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, said. The committee has challenged farmers to come up with a new farm bill, pretending that there wasn’t an original farm bill- what would producers want it to offer and protect?
Group leaders agree all industries are struggling, not just dairy or livestock. “Having the agriculture committee here at the very beginning of the process of formulating the next farm bill is the most important time for Idaho agriculture to be heard,” Minnick said. Producers want a bill that will help more than just the dairy industry, a bill that addresses all industries.
After the U.S. House Agriculture meets with producers about their desires they will meet with farmers to see how they current Farm Bill worked for them.
The 2008 Farm Bill expires in 2012. The bill covers farm support, food assistance, trade, rural development and marketing.
Looking to refinance your farm loan before inflation hits? Farm Loan interest rates starting at 2.95% and terms up to 25 years. Visit our site or call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative
Tags: Farm Bill 2012, usda
Posted in General, Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Google may be best known for the famous search engine, but as of April 30, 2010 the company made its first investment in renewable energy.
The company has invested $38.3 million in two NextEra wind farms located in North Dakota. The farms generate 169.5 megawatts of power, that is enough power for 55,000 homes.
Since 2009 Google has taken an interest in renewable energy after investing money in to PowerMeter, a service that allows people to monitor how much energy they consume. Google has also invested money in solar power companies eSolar and Alta Rock. As one of the leaders in Internet companies the investment may not seem as off as it could appear at face value.
Renewable energy is a growing trend across the United States in an effort to become a resource-independent country. It is one of the Obama administration’s most popular goals for his term in office as well. Wind farms are popular and an innovated way for farmers to make money aside from traditional crops.
Are you interested in investing in wind turbines or other forms of renewable energy and are in market for a loan? Farm Plus Financial has loans starting at 2.95% for all of your agricultural needs. Call us at 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.
Tags: google, renewable energy
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Thursday, June 10th, 2010
According to a survey conducted by the Information Resources Inc. (IRI) consumers prefer caged-housed eggs 40:1 over cage-free eggs. The information comes from data collected at grocery store’s registered across the United States.
In 2009 the survey found that 92 percent of egg sales came from caged operations, 2 percent from cage free, 1 percent from free range and 5 percent from other operations. The numbers may be unsettling as consumers have growing interest in organic food and knowing where their food comes from.
However, one of the biggest factors in this study is the cost. It’s no secret during the current recession people pinch every penny, and free free eggs run almost twice as much as caged-housed eggs. As of April 30 a dozen cage-housed eggs cost $1.99, cage-free $2.99 and free range $4.38. According to the data 44 percent of American prefer cage free, despite what numbers show.
Another discovery by the IRI is that Americans pay a third less than Europeans for eggs.
Federal Reserve stated interest rates likely to rise. Refinance your farm loan before rates go up. Call a representative by dialing 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: egg production
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Thursday, June 10th, 2010
From January 2009 through January 2010 the agriculture industry in Washington grew, adding 12,300 new seasonal and permanent jobs according to a state report.
Not only did jobs increase in number, but wages grew from $8.79 per hour in January 2009 to 49.42 in 2010. This information follows a survey conducted with 1,800 farmers across Washington.
Many producers say the mild weather in January contributed to the growth of seasonal employment across the state. Workers were needed in north-central, southeast and south-central regions to prune fruit trees, especially apple trees.
“There’s no such thing as a recession in the agriculture industry,” said Bruce Grim, executive director at the Washington State Horticultural Association. “People have to eat.”
Over the year season jobs grew from 15,010 to 22,120 in 2010. “I don’t think people realize how huge an industry agriculture is in our state,” Dean Schau a regional labor economist said. “We measure our foreign exports in billions of dollars and it’s going all over the world.”
In 2009 Washington was able to have enough workers to complete their large, annual harvest. The recession is attributed to the employment growth with many people jumping from construction or building trades to agriculture.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. Visit our website or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: usda, washington
Posted in General, Washinton Farm Loans | No Comments »
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